Harry Kewell is expected to return for Liverpool at home to Bolton on Boxing Day after missing three weeks with an ankle problem.

But that is the only one of boss Gerard Houllier's injured stars who will be available for the crunch match with Bolton, who beat Liverpool in the Carling Cup at Anfield earlier this month.

Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher, Milan Baros, Steve Finnan, Salif Diao and Stephane Henchoz are all unlikely to play for the first team before mid-January, although Carragher and Henchoz are now back in training.

Brazilian midfielder Doriva will miss out again as Middlesbrough travel to Blackburn on Boxing Day.

He damaged an ankle during the 1-0 win at Manchester City on November 30 and could be sidelined for a further fortnight.

Jonathan Greening has recovered from illness and will be in contention for a place, although keeper Carlo Nash is still struggling with a hand injury and Brad Jones is likely to deputise for Mark Schwarzer again.